Mercer Prisoner Kicks His Way–Briefly–To Freedom

The Mercer County Jailer says his poorly equipped transport van is to blame for the escape of a prisoner on Friday, May 12.

“I drive two vans that don’t provide safety to the inmates or the public,” said Mercer County Jailer Bret “Chambo” Chamberlain.“I’m begging for help.”

Chamberlain was transportingEvan Paul Goodlett, 25, of Harrodsburg, to Boyle County Detention Center when Goodlett kicked out a window and ran across U.S.-127.

“I just turned my signal on to turn left to go into Boyle County and I heard ‘Boom’ from the middle compartment of the van. I didn’t even have the van stopped, “ Chamberlain said. “I looked back and he was out the window.”

Goodlett managed to kick out the window even though he only stands 5-foot, 8-inches tall and weighs 155-pounds, according to the jail website. He was also restrained, wearing a leather belt with handcuffs that forced his hands up by his armpits.

“He kicked the window out, he went out the window feet first and ran across 127, four lanes of traffic, like a duck,” Chamberlain said.

To learn more, check out this week’s issue of The Harrodsburg Herald.

Mercer County Jailer Bret “Chambo” Chamberlain shows where Goodlett cut his restraints before being apprehended.